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WHAT ARE SOME COMMON CHALLENGES THAT STUDENTS FACE WHEN DEVELOPING AN IT CAPSTONE PROJECT

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Project scoping is often one of the biggest challenges for students. It’s easy for capstone projects to become too broad or ambitious, making them difficult to complete within the given timeframe. When first conceptualizing their project, students need to carefully consider the scope and limit it only to what can realistically be achieved independently or with a small team over one semester or academic year. They should break down their high-level idea into specific, well-defined tasks and create a detailed project plan with time estimates. Getting their capstone advisor to review and approve their proposed scope is also important to help avoid scope creep.

Another major challenge is a lack of technical skills or knowledge required for the project. Many capstone projects involve developing applications, platforms or systems that require proficiency in specific programming languages, frameworks, or other IT tools. Students need to realistically assess their current skillset and either simplify their project idea or budget sufficient time for learning new technologies. If certain technical aspects are beyond their current abilities, they may need to consider consulting help or scaling back features. Researching technical requirements thoroughly during the planning phase is important.

Gathering and managing project resources can also pose difficulties. Capstone work often requires various resources like hardware, software licenses, additional libraries/APIs, cloud hosting services etc. Students need to plan budgets for procuring or accessing all required resources and get these lined up well in advance. Any dependencies on external resources or third-parties need strict tracking and contingency plans in case they fall through. Managing resources also means setting up appropriate development environments, tools, infrastructure and processes for collaborative work if in a team.

Defining clear requirements and specifications is a significant task that many get wrong. Unless requirements are explicitly documented upfront, it becomes hard to track scope, test solutions and get stakeholder feedback and validation. Students need to spend time interviewing stakeholders to understand requirements from different perspectives, prioritize them and document them clearly whether it be user stories, use cases, wireframes etc. Getting this approved by advisors ensures misunderstandings are minimized as the project progresses.

Collaborative work becomes challenging without setting up processes and guidelines. When working in teams, defining individual roles and responsibilities, setting collaboration expectations, choosing tools for communication, issue tracking, documentation and coding standards etc. are important. Teams also need periodic check-ins, reporting and risk reviews to catch issues early. Poor collaboration tends to lead to delays, reduced quality and motivational issues. Strong project management practices are important for success especially in capstone teams.

Time management also poses a struggle due to the open-ended nature of capstone work and competing demands like coursework. Creating detailed schedules, tracking progress regularly, setting interim deadlines and assessing time spent on tasks is important. Students should also keep some buffer time for handling risks, reworks or scope changes. Saying no to unnecessary additions to scope and prioritizing critical paths is another good practice. Timeboxing or restricting work hours to specific blocks may also help stay focused.

Presenting results effectively and getting stakeholder feedback during checkpoints presents its own difficulties. Students need experience and practice in communicating technical work clearly to non-technical audiences through demonstrations, documentation, presentations etc. Getting early and periodic feedback validates their work and also helps improve engagement. Feedback also needs to be taken in the right spirit and implemented gracefully without losing focus or motivation.

Careful planning, scoping, research, documentation, process establishment, communication and time management are some best practices that can help students overcome many common challenges faced during their capstone projects. Starting early and seeking mentor guidance proactively also goes a long way in improving chances of capstone success. With diligent effort in these areas, students can generate quality outcomes and learning through this immersive experience.

WHAT ARE SOME EXAMPLES OF CYBER NORMS AND CONFIDENCE BUILDING MEASURES THAT HAVE BEEN DEVELOPED

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One of the early efforts to develop cyber norms and confidence-building measures was the 2015 Report of the United Nations Group of Governmental Experts on Developments in the Field of Information and Telecommunications in the Context of International Security. This report established some consensus around the applicability of international law to state behavior in cyberspace. It affirmed that states should not conduct or knowingly support cyber operations that intentionally damage critical infrastructure or otherwise harm civilians. The report helped lay the groundwork for further international discussions on expanding norms of responsible state behavior in cyberspace.

Since that initial 2015 report, there have been ongoing multilateral efforts through forums like the UN Open-Ended Working Group, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, and other bodies to develop new and strengthen existing cyber norms. Some of the cyber norms that have emerged through these discussions and begun to gain widespread acceptance include calls for states to: refrain from cyber operations that intentionally damage critical infrastructure or disrupt the public emergency response; protect electoral and political processes from cyber interference; uphold principles of non-intervention in the internal affairs of other states; and consider the likelihood of collateral damage when conducting cyber operations.

In addition to norms, states have also sought to establish confidence-building measures that can reduce risks and misperceptions between states regarding cyber threats and state-sponsored activity. An early cyber CBM proposal came from the US and Russia in 2013, which suggested measures like inviting foreign experts to observe national cyber defense exercises, notifying other states of impending tests or network scans, and establishing communication channels for managing incidents or addressing vulnerabilities. While that initial US-Russia CBM proposal did not gain traction, the ideas have influenced subsequent discussions.

One notable confidence-building effort has been an ongoing series of cyber talks between the US and China since 2013. Through these discussions, the two powers have implemented practical CBMs like establishing a cybersecurity working group and hotline for managing crises, notifying each other of major cyber incidents, and hosting annual roundtables to increase transparency and discuss their national cyber policies. Observers see these US-China talks as helping to limit further escalation between the two countries in cyberspace, even as tensions remain high in other geostrategic issues.

On a broader scale, the UN has worked to develop a consensus set of global CBMs through the Open-Ended Working Group process. In 2021, the OEWG finalized 11 non-binding UN CBMs for countries to voluntarily adopt, covering areas like information exchanges on national cyber policies, building partnerships on cybercrime, cooperating on tracking and attributing cyber operations, establishing contacts for managing crises, and participating in international capacity building efforts. While these CBMs lack an enforcement mechanism, supporters argue they can promote stability if adopted widely.

Meanwhile, some regional blocs have also attempted tailored CBM frameworks. For instance, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe established a comprehensive set of cybersecurity CBMs in 2016 that 55 OSCE participating states can implement on a voluntary basis. These CBMs include transparency measures like exchanging details on national cyber strategies, creating points of contacts, and hosting consultations to reduce tensions. The ASEAN Regional Forum has also floated some modest CBM proposals focused more on norms of state behavior and cooperation on cybercrime.

While significant challenges remain, there has been progress in developing a basic framework of cyber norms and confidence-building measures through multilateral forums. Widespread adoption of existing CBM proposals could help improve stability between states by increasing transparency, managing risks, and lowering the probability of escalation from misunderstandings in cyberspace. As malicious cyber activities continue rising globally, further strengthening international consensus on responsible state behavior and trust-building will remain a high priority.

WHAT ARE SOME ALTERNATIVE DESIGNS THAT COULD BALANCE PRIVACY PRESERVATION WITH FUNCTIONALITY

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Privacy and functionality can seem inherently at odds with one another, yet with thoughtful design both values can be upheld. One approach is to refocus how data is collected, stored, and used according to several key principles:

Minimize collection. Only collect data necessary for stated system functions, avoiding blanket data grabs. An online store need only collect payment details, not a life history. Systems could also give users meaningful control over what data is collected about them.

Decentralize storage. Rather than aggregating all user data in a single large database, a better model is federated storage where data about each individual remains localized to their own device or a close third party. Central databases become hacking targets whereas dispersed data has no “pot of gold.”

Use anonymization. Where aggregate data trends may be useful, like improving a fashion site’s recommendations, personal details should be anonymized and details like names, addresses and other directly identifying information removed before any sharing or analysis. cryptographic techniques like differential privacy can help achieve this.

Limit third party sharing. By default, personal data collected by one entity for a stated purpose should not be shared with or sold to third parties. Explicit opt-in consent from users would be required for any sharing, sale or additional uses beyond the purpose for which data was originally collected.

Embrace purpose limitation. Collected data should only be used for the purposes disclosed to and consented to by the user. “Mission creep” where data is used for unexpected secondary uses undermines trust and privacy. Systems could implement technical checks to enforce allowed uses.

Give control to users. Individuals should have access to all data collected about them, the ability to correct inaccuracies, request data deletion, and easily withdraw consent for any third party data uses. Technical barriers should not obstruct these basic privacy rights and controls.

Use strong encryption. Where transmission or storage of sensitive personal data is necessary, strong whole-system encryption protocols ensure that even if data is intercepted it remains protected. Encryption keys should remain localized under user control as much as possible.

Apply strict access controls. Within systems, access to personal user data should be tightly controlled on a need-to-know basis alone. Audit logs can help monitor for any improper access attempts and hold systems accountable. Structured data policies and personnel training reinforce privacy-respecting culture.

Employ accountability. Independent third party audits assess privacy/security practices. Incidents like breaches are disclosed promptly and remediation efforts announced. Regulators oversee compliance while certifications like Privacy by Design reinforce conformance. Consumers can opt to take disputes to binding arbitration.

Incorporate user feedback. Privacy and functionality evolve alongside user needs and expectations. Ongoing user research, transparency into data practices and response to concerns help keep systems iteratively improving with input from those impacted most.

By applying these privacy-preserving design principles – minimizing data collection, decentralizing storage, anonymizing insights, limiting sharing, enforcing purpose limitation, putting users in control, employing strong encryption and access controls, maintaining accountability and incorporating ongoing feedback – systems can balance functionality with individual privacy concerns. No system will ever satisfy all parties, yet an earnest commitment to these best practices establishes trust and shows priority placed on data respect. With sustained effort, privacy need not come at a cost to utility if thoughtful solutions center human needs over corporate interests alone. Doing right by users now helps ensure viability over the long run.

An alternative model focusing on minimizing data grabs, decentralizing storage, anonymizing insights, restricting sharing and secondary uses, giving users control and visibility along with strict security can achieve much-needed balance. Ongoing review and improving based on real-world experiences further strengthens privacy and widens the circle of stakeholders with a say. Outcomes matter more than broad claims. By making demonstrable progress on tangible privacy design, systems earn willingness from users to participate and thrive.

HOW CAN STUDENTS ENSURE THAT THEIR CAPSTONE PROJECT IS MEANINGFUL AND IMPACTFUL FOR THE FIELD OF PUBLIC HEALTH

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There are several important factors students should consider when designing their capstone project to ensure it has meaningful impact and contributes value to the field of public health. First and foremost, students must choose a topic that addresses a real need or problem within the community. Conducting thorough background research into the current public health challenges and priorities at the local, regional, or national level will help identify an area where the capstone could potentially make a difference. Speaking directly with public health professionals and community stakeholders can also provide valuable insights into pressing issues that need attention.

Once a topic is selected, students should design the capstone project with specific, measurable goals and objectives in mind. Vague or ambiguous aims that are difficult to quantify will make it challenging to demonstrate impact later on. Well-defined goals set the stage for an effective methodology to collect meaningful data or information that can help make progress toward solving the identified public health problem. Whenever possible, students should incorporate evidence-based practices, frameworks, or theories into the project design. Drawing from established approaches lends credibility and gives the work a stronger foundation grounded in scientific principles.

Engaging community partners is another crucial element for ensuring a capstone has real relevance. Identifying organizations, agencies, or groups actively working in the issue area selected provides opportunities for collaboration throughout the project. Partnering organizations can provide data, expertise, and guidance that improves the capstone. They may also be in a position to implement recommendations or continue related work after the student completes their degree. Establishing these relationships from the start fosters stakeholder investment that can help sustain impact over time.

To construct a rigorous methodology, students should incorporate mixed or multi-method approaches whenever feasible. Rather than relying solely on interviews, surveys, or secondary data analysis for example, integrating two or more strategies provides a more well-rounded perspective and triangulated understanding of the problem. Methodologies that produce both qualitative and quantitative findings are more compelling and actionable for tackling multifaceted public health challenges. Thorough documentation of procedures is also important to establish credibility and provide transparency.

Once data collection and analysis are complete, the capstone should identify clear, tangible recommendations to address the issue. Vague suggestions without an explicit proposed course of action lack utility. Solid recommendations demonstrate an understanding of potential barriers and facilitators to implementing effective solutions in real-world conditions. Partnering organizations may be more inclined to adopt solutions if pilot testing or evaluation frameworks are outlined. Students can maximize the capstone’s impact by taking the recommendations directly to stakeholders and communicating the value proposition clearly.

Disseminating findings beyond just submitting the final written report can also amplify a capstone’s meaningful contribution. Presenting at conferences, publishing a short article, or creating brief videos to share on organizational websites spreads knowledge and facilitates discussions that may spark further progression. Submitting to a digital repository also ensures the work lives on as a resource for others after graduation. While accomplishing all these factors takes significant effort, considering them systematically will help ensure students produce a capstone project that generates real value for the field of public health.

Choosing a topic aligned with community needs, setting clear measurable goals, incorporating evidence-based design, engaging partners, employing rigorous methods, identifying tangible recommendations, and disseminating widely allows students to create meaningful capstone projects with genuine potential to make a positive impact on important public health issues. With careful planning and execution informed by these best practices, capstone work can offer valuable solutions to advance progress in the field.

HOW CAN GRADUATE STUDENTS ENSURE THAT THEIR QUALITY IMPROVEMENT CAPSTONE PROJECTS ARE EVIDENCE BASED

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Quality improvement projects aim to enhance processes and systems of care through the application of scientific methods and data analysis. It is important for graduate capstones in this area to be grounded in scientific evidence in order to generate valid and effective solutions. There are several key steps students can take to achieve an evidence-based approach:

Perform a thorough literature review on the topic area. This involves searching multiple academic databases and sources to identify what previous research, guidelines, and best practices exist relevant to the clinical or organizational problem being addressed. Performing a systematic search across diverse sources of evidence helps to ensure a comprehensive overview of the current scientific knowledge base. The literature review should summarize, compare and synthesize the findings of high-quality studies to identify common themes, gaps, and recommendations supported by research.

Critically appraise the evidence found. Not all published research is of equal scientific merit. Higher level studies such as randomized controlled trials provide stronger evidence than lower level studies like case reports or case series. Appraising the quality, rigor and risk of bias of different studies is important for determining the strength and applicability of the evidence. Tools such as GRADE, Jadad and Cochrane risk of bias assessments can help evaluate individual studies. The preponderance of evidence from multiple rigorous studies lends more weight than isolated or lower quality findings.

Use an established framework to guide the project. Several standardized process improvement frameworks exist that are informed by best practices from organizations like the Institute for Healthcare Improvement. Examples include Lean, Six Sigma, PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act), and the Model for Improvement. Choosing an established framework helps ensure key steps and scientific methods are applied systematically. The framework also structures how measures, outcomes and data will be collected to evaluate the impact and guide decision making.

Involve local stakeholders. Engaging clinical, operational and administrative leaders invested in the problem area from the start generates buy-in and support. Stakeholders can help identify valid outcome measures and provide input on how to design interventions that fit with local workflows, resources and organizational priorities. Involving them throughout versus just presenting results at the end improves feasibility and sustainability of recommendations.

Collect and analyze multiple types of data. Quality improvement relies on measuring relevant processes and outcomes over time both before and after implementing changes. Data should include both qualitative and quantitative indicators mapped back to aimed impact. Common sources include patient charts, staff surveys, direct observations, financial metrics and more formal research studies as feasible. Statistical process control methods like run charts can detect meaningful changes versus normal variation over successive PDSA cycles.

Implement evidence-based solutions and evaluate outcomes. Once an action plan has been developed based on the literature review and stakeholder input, well-designed pilot tests of interventions can be undertaken. Outcomes should continue being regularly measured and reported to stakeholders during implementation. If intended improvements are achieved, full scale adoption with ongoing monitoring is recommended. If not, data can guide refining the approach through additional PDSA cycles in a scientific manner.

Disseminate results. Sharing the completed project via a formal report, presentation or publication allows the evidence generated to potentially inform care in other settings. Highlighting both successes and lessons learned advances the field by helping others avoid pitfalls and know what has worked well previously. Dissemination ensures the work has an impact beyond the specific organization or student.

Adherence to these standards helps students generate capstone projects that are truly evidence-based in scientifically assessing problems, designing interventions and evaluating outcomes. Taking a systematic, data-driven approach grounded in the literature mirrors real-world quality improvement practices. Ultimately this enhances the rigor, usefulness and sustainability of graduate capstone projects for driving meaningful healthcare improvements.